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Monday, August 29, 2011

{Living Room} Blue Beauty

Hello lovies! Did you have a fabulous weekend? Do you have some great new throw pillows coming your way? My painting hiatus ended this weekend as I finally painted the beastly armoire in our Living Room.

After collecting lots of inspiration (shown in this post), I decided on Martha Stewart Plummage (color matched to Behr paint). I have no experience with Martha's paint, I am just comfortable with Behr.

Isn't she pretty?!? I think she's officially lost her nickname, "The Beast." Perhaps I should call her, "Beauty."

After the experience I had painting the bookcases, which are a similar pine, I decided to try a different route with the paint. After giving her a good cleaning, I rolled on a thick layer of primer (read about my favorite brand here).

I didn't see any point in painting the inside. But my goal was to just get it done! And the thought of emptying it out made me tired.

Since the armoire is so big, I wasn't able to move it far, or place paper under the legs. So when it came time to paint the feet, I slid a notecard under and painted with a small art brush.

Since I covered the wood completely with the primer, it only required two coats of Behr Latex in an eggshell finish. I used a foam roller for the flat surfaces, and an angled Purvy brush for the nooks and crannies. The hinges and hardware are literally branded in to the wood, so I just painted around them with a tiny art brush. So much for switching them out.

I can't believe the difference! And once again, I'm left wondering what the heck took me so long to paint this thing?!?! And I even like the hardware now. The texture and weight of the armoire is still fairly rustic, so I don't think slick new hardware would look good anyway.

Another unexpected bonus, is how the blue in the armoire connects with the blue undertones of the wingchair. Since recovering the wingchair isn't part of The Plans, I'm thrilled that it blends with the room more smoothly now.

Flashing back to a Before shot:

And now with Blue Beauty. You'll also notice I did a chair switcheroo, and cleaned up the wall between the fireplace and armoire.

I much prefer the cane barrel chair here, as it doesn't block the fireplace like the taller wingchair. A sheepskin throw and pillow add some interest until I can decide what fabric to recover the cushions in.

And that's another item, crossed off the list! I've linked what's been done so far if you need to catch up. What do you think so far?

I love the blue color! Great choice! I do like how you rearranged as well. I do have to say (and I'm sorry) I just cannot get myself to like that mirror. It's the gold and black that I don't like. (don't hate me!)Other then that, it's really coming together!

What a difference! Looks great and I love how it picks up the blue in the rug as well.I had a big red monster in our living room and finally painted it a swedish grey - what a transformation and I should have done it long ago as well! :)

Love the new color! I wonder what a little gold rub n buff would like on the hardware? Might be really nice with that color. I need to start making lists like you do - maybe that would help me to actually complete a room!

Girl you are getting me inspired to do some DIY projects. Now if I only I could stop eating and getting sucked into Reality TV I would be much more productive. That amoire rocks now, love the color choice. and I am super impressed with your ability to paint with such a tiny brush. Job Well Done!

That is one of the samples I pulled -- glad to see that it looks amazing! You did a great job painting that. What a difference it makes. And of course, you know I like a post with TWSS reference. I thought of you today -- one of the partners at my office made a TWSS joke and I about died!

Hope you will bring one of your projects to my first Potpourri Friday Party this week - Friday, September 2. Link-up starts on Thursday afternoon. Without a doubt, your participation will help make the party better!

Love, love, love how pretty the Beast is now! Love the color! Blast, now I feel compelled to paint my massive armoire that's sitting in my craft room. Found you via Between Naps on the Porch. Tootles, Kathryn http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2011/08/little-goodwill-finds.html

I love the color! I would move the Armoire over to cover the pass through--even if you have to put greenery on top to cover it and then put a picture or mirror or something on the other side of the wall. Love love the color!

That looks fantastic! I have that same piece, and the rest of the collection. I just painted one of the dressers white and it looks so great. We were able to get the hardware off and had the same kind as you. We just pushed the handle in from the front and jammed a flathead screwdriver in the back to pry the two pieces that seem to be nailed into the back.

I have the exact same Armoir!!!!! It was sitting in my garage for a couple of years when I recently saw yours painted. You inspired me to paint mine a wine color with black glazing. I am sooooo happy I painted it. Did want to let you know....YOU CAN GET THOSE HINGES OFF!!!!!!!! Hubby used locking vice grips to pull and wiggle the nails out. I spray painted all the hardware a flat black and reinstalled with screws. Then painted the heads of the screws black to match the hinges.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to find this post - I have an armoire that I've been wanting to paint a bold color and this is perfect! It's very similar to AS Aubusson Blue (which I just happen to have in my stash.

I just saw this post and have the SAME armoire- I have been contemplating painting it! Not sure what color yet- but I am liking yours the blue. I am also glad you showed it primed- so I can picture mine a lighter color too- if I go that route!

I, too, have the same Mexican pine armoire, but I would never dream of painting over those beautiful pine knots and that great wood-grained look. It would have been better to paint the wall that blue and left the armoire in its original charming rustic state.

I, too, have the same armoire, but I would not dream of painting that wonderful knotty wooden exterior. You might as well tear my heart out. Better you had painted the walls blue and left the armoire in all its majesty than ruin the rustic natural pine of that magnificent piece.